Development opportunities in paint protection films and molded trim.
A clear paint protection film has a demanding job. It must remain clear and flexible while dealing with road grime, insects and the repeated cleaning that comes with daily driving. Molded exterior trim faces its own problems with marks, abrasion and weathering. Jerry Stokes, Chief Commercial Officer of Nanize, is seeking partners and customers to evaluate PFAS-free coatings for those automotive surfaces.
Stokes has commercial experience in batteries, solar and electric vehicle infrastructure. The 2024 EV Infrastructure Summit listed him as GRIDSERVE’s Chief of Staff, with a background in bringing energy technologies to industrial and consumer markets. At Nanize, the commercial opportunity involves working with film converters, component suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to match a material to the needs of the finished product and the realities of high-volume production.
Easier care for films and trim
Nanize develops polysilazane formulations that cure into a ceramic-like surface layer. The company describes its platform as PFAS-free and publishes automotive use cases for thermoplastic polyurethane, or TPU, and molded plastics. Its technical materials describe evaluations in which treated TPU could be wiped clean after exposure to marker ink. That result is a starting point for film makers interested in how a topcoat handles the soils and cleaners that a vehicle encounters in service.
For a paint protection film supplier, a pilot could compare the Nanize finish with the current topcoat on the same TPU. Both samples can be evaluated for clarity, gloss and stain release after bending, weathering and repeated washing. Installers can assess how the material behaves as it is stretched over a curve, where any change in handling or appearance is easiest to see.
Fitting the coating into vehicle production
For molded trim suppliers, badges, decorative appliques and exterior trim covers are possible early projects. A part maker could compare coated and standard parts for color, gloss, surface wear and resistance to cleaning chemicals. High-touch interior trim offers another candidate, where easier removal of fingerprints and routine smudges may matter more than outdoor weathering.
Nanize describes a cure under one minute below 70 °C for its automotive plastic application. That is relevant for suppliers whose parts or films have tight limits on heat exposure. The process still has to suit the geometry of the part and the pace of the line. A converter needs to see how a finish behaves across the width of a film roll. A molding supplier needs consistent coverage on contours and edges as well as an acceptable rate of finished parts passing inspection.
The commercial decision will differ by customer. For a film brand, simpler maintenance can matter if installers and drivers notice it after repeated use. A component maker may put greater weight on cycle time, finish consistency or warranty performance. A pilot that starts with the customer’s existing specification can produce evidence that engineering, purchasing and quality teams can use together.
Automotive partnership inquiries
Nanize is looking for new clients, partners and investors in automotive surface technology. Stokes welcomes inquiries from vehicle manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, TPU and paint protection film converters, trim molders, coating applicators and aftermarket brands. Companies interested in an evaluation can identify the part or film, its current finish and the performance target. Strategic partners and investors can discuss development, manufacturing and distribution opportunities.
Jerry Stokes, Chief Commercial Officer | js@nanize.com | www.nanize.com
Sources Nanize leadership · Nanize coating technology · Nanize applications · EV Infrastructure Summit biography